The calendar is turning and the time to prepare for winter is in the dog days of summer.

On that note, the next meeting of the Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association will feature a panel discussion by the education committee all about setting the groundwork for winter brood and preparing the bees and the yard in general. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. and is held at The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown.

Following the discussion will be a question and answer session.

The bees were buzzing, the sun was shining, and beginning beekeepers joined the Leatherstocking Beekeepers Association for a workshop at the apiary of Walt Heinrich in Schenevus.

Guided by Walt and experienced beekeepers Mike Lyons and Richard Lercari, the New Bees explored the apiary and paired off with the beekeepers to learn about working with the hives. They learned to open the hive, the best way to handle the frames, and were even able to find and observe a queen at her work.

It was a fun day of practical tips and hands on application for beginning beekeepers.

The next meeting of the association will be held July 27 at 7 p.m. at The Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown

The flowers are out and the bees are hard at work.

The next meeting of the Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association will be held June 22, 2023 at 7 p.m. at The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown.

This time, we will be learning how to test for one of our bees biggest pests, the Varroa mite. Mike Lyons will be presenting “Sugar Shake – Mite Test.” The presentation will also discuss the temperature requirements of the various available treatments, and their impact on honey production.

In other news, there are still slots available for the Field Trip. This will feature an apiary tour and hands on hive inspection. A great follow up for those who attended the Intro to Beekeeping course in February or for those who just can’t stay away from bees. Will be held July 15 with a raindate of July 22. The Tour will commence at 10 am and refreshments are included.

Also on our calendar,

• The St. Johnsville Honey Bee Festival honoring Moses Quinby. July 22 from 10 am to 5 pm held at 44 Bridge Street, St. Johnsville.

•The July Meeting of the Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association featuring a panel discussion on “Preparing Your Beeyard For Winter.” July 27, 2023 at 7 p.m. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown.

•National Honey Bee Day. August 19, 2023.

•Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association annual picnic. August 24, 2023. Details to be announced.